State Sen. David Valesky talks about the Independent Democratic Conference and his belief in bipartisanship at all levels of government. John Berry / The Post-Standard

Albany, NY - Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida, said the power-sharing deal he and four other Democrats worked out with Senate Republicans today means less chaos and more cooperation in Albany.

In an interview late Tuesday, Valesky said a shared leadership means more issues will come to the floor, including the ones Democrats in his district expect him to fight for. He said the work of the Independent Democratic Conference has already helped bring marriage equality to New York. He is hopeful he can give voice to raising the minimum wage and reforming campaign finance laws, among other issues.

“We’re charged by our constituents to get things done and I think we’re going to be in a much better position to get things done,” Valesky said.

Valesky said he sees today’s announcement as an extension of the work the Independent Democratic Conference has done over the last two years. He said it should be no surprise to the people who voted for him.

“They shouldn’t be disappointed because I was a Democrat and I’m still a Democrat. None of that has changed,” he said. “I certainly made every attempt to make sure they knew what we were doing as a democratic conference.”

The news did not sit well with other Democratic Senators, including Sen. Liz Krueger, D-NY, who accused the independent Democrats of looking out for themselves.

Valesky said he has always had good relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle. “That’s important, but it’s really not the priority,” he said. “My priority is to represent my constituents. It’s not to make friends with the other senators.”

He said the members who broke away to form the independent caucus two years ago felt the hyperpartisan nature that had developed in Albany was creating chaos. “There is certainly time for politics. That’s called elections. But when elections are over, it’s time to govern,” he said. “That’s what we intend to do now certainly in a more formal role with the Republican conference.”

Valesky said Gov. Andrew Cuomo played no part in the deal and that the two have not spoken about it.

The news came early, but the new power sharing does not start until the new session in January. That is when the leaders will make committee assignments and set an agenda.

Valesky said none of that has been decided yet. He said, however, the five independent Democrats will have equal power with Republicans in all decisions, including setting the agenda, bringing votes to the floor, confirming Cuomo’s nominations and more.

He said both Republican and Democratic issues have merit to be considered and will both come to the floor for a vote.

“Whether it’s a vote on minimum wage or campaign finance reform or other progressive issues, I think we have a greater ability in this bipartisan coalition to get votes on these things,” he said. “People want to know where we stand as legislators on issues and the way you do that is getting bills on the floor and getting them up for a vote and I think that’s what you’re going to see.”